Volunteers Pull Derelicts From Jamaica Bay

A group of volunteers from the Jamaica Bay EcoWatchers prepare a derelict boat to be towed to Floyd Bennett Field for removal.
About 60 derelict boats have been removed from shorelines and marshes of Jamaica Bay so far this year thanks to the efforts of the National Park Service, Jamaica Bay EcoWatchers, American Littoral Society and Friends of Gerritsen Creek, according to Pete McCarthy, a chief ranger at Gateway National Recreation Area.

The Port Authority at JFK Airport has removed additional boats.

“Much more needs to be done,” said Don Riepe, Jamaica Bay Guardian, “and we’re going to continue the effort into early winter… There is also a possibility that a team of soldiers and equipment from the US Army will help remove some larger boats and debris this fall.”

On September 18, large numbers of volunteers are expected to help out at various sites around the bay. For information about this year’s coastal cleanup and a list of sites, call Barbara Cohen at (718) 471-216.